That's what I'm afraid my boy will do at his first ride: turn into a raging Arabian show horse running around, ears perked, nose flared, breathing like he's just run a horse marathon. :) Had Dory been trailered out before to shows or trails? I'm just curious. My guy has only been to 2 shows (before he was mine) and to and from my trainers.

She had been trailered out three times before. To a mounted shooting show just for exposure, to a Western Dressage Clinic, and to a trail ride at a friend's. The only one she had a bad day at was the WD Clinic. And probably because I wasn't having a great day either. I was very anxious that day for several reasons.

It sounds so cliche, but at this point in me and my horse's relationship, she seems to feed off of my emotions, if that makes any sense. If I'm nervous, she will be amped. If I'm calm, she will be calm.

I think the more they get out, the better. Exposure is good! Previous to this ride I took my mare out alone, just me and her, riding to and from different locations. Doing this probably helped a lot with riding alone during the ride.

Good luck to you! I think you must always be prepared for the worst but hope for he best! My mare was manageable but a handful at the start, and just far more hot than I'm used to seeing her! But as soon as I hopped on and began, she was just fine.

Horse, thou art truly a creature without equal, for thou fliest without wings and conquerest without sword. - The Qu'ran

A training pointer on getting her to start drinking at every stream/puddle/trough - schedule some overnight camping trail rides. Ride her slow all day long but stop at every single water source. Helps if you bring a friend who's horse is a glutton for water. Generally by the second day - the horse will start drinking at every opportunity.

Sometimes it takes several camping trips or long day rides to get them into the habit of drinking at every opportunity. Its a common training problem. Of the six horses I've trained and used in AERC rides over the years - only one was a natural water glutton.

Plus, its a GREAT excuse to do a bunch of day long slow trail rides! :)

I think I am addicted! Because of moving and preparing for school I won't be able to do another ride till August and it's driving my nuts! But hopefully then after I'll be attending rides monthly... that's my goal at least!

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